ANCYL fails to adhere to conditions for march to Provincial Legislature

The City of Cape Town has noted that the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has unfortunately already violated two of the conditions stipulated in terms of the Gatherings Act and the approved march application for their march to the Provincial Legislature today, 27 August 2012.

The City, in terms of the regulations and processes determined by the Gatherings Act approved the ANCYL's application to march to the Provincial Legislature so that they could hand over a memorandum to the Office of the Premier.

Informed by the need to ensure public safety and a safe route for the march, the stipulations set by the South African Police Services and the City of Cape Town, were that the participants should assemble at Keizersgracht from 10:00 onwards on Monday morning. The march was to commence no later than 11:00 from Keizersgracht along Darling Street, left into Adderley Street, and then to the Provincial buildings in Wale Street.

However, part of the group (3000) gathered at the incorrect location this morning, i.e. at the Salt River Station instead of Keizersgracht. An additional 2000 individuals joined this group from Keizersgracht just after 12:00 and were consolidated into one group by the South African Police Service before proceeding. In addition the procession did not adhere to the time-frames stipulated in the application and delayed the start of their march procession.

I view the ANCYL's flagrant disregard of the stipulations set out in the march approval in terms of the Gatherings Act as a grave disappointment.

The City respects the rights of residents to demonstrate, but appeals to all those who wish to participate to please do so within the boundaries of the law to ensure the safety of all residents.

Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, August 27 2012

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